Hundreds of GP practices were tonight told to stop forcing patients to call
premium rate 084 numbers to make appointments with their doctor.

NHS England tonight said practices would be "in breach of contract" if they fail to take "all reasonable steps" to end the rip-off.

New rules came into force three years ago ordering GPs they could no longer enter into deals with phone companies that meant patients would have to ring an 084 number.

The Department of Health added that GPs already using the numbers had 12 months to take "reasonable steps" to alter the contracts or change any agreements which did not comply with the rules.

But an audit earlier this year showed almost one in ten - 8 per cent - practices across the UK, an estimated 700, were still using premium rate lines.

Under the crackdown announced tonight, GPs will not be allowed to offer an alternative standard local telephone line alongside the 084 number as NHS England said "patients cannot receive the same level of service, including queuing and direct-dialling facilities".

Dr David Geddes, NHS England's head of primary care, said: "Most GPs entered into these contracts for the additional services they offer to patients.

"But these numbers can and do cost people significantly more - especially those using pay as you go mobiles, who are statistically most likely to be the most deprived.

"Research showed that some GPs felt unable to change things, because of real or perceived contracting problems, so we are aiming to bust some of the contracting myths, and to support practices to make sure their patients get the best service."

He added that Daisy Communications, one of the country's biggest suppliers of GP telephone systems, had already agreed to move practices to geographic rate 01, 02 or 03 numbers with no contractual penalties.

The move will be seen as a major victory by Consumer Minister Jo Swinson, who this summer unveiled proposals to force retailers to bin premium rate phone lines.

Her crackdown exempted transport firms and banks, sparking concerns from campaigners that little would actually change.

David Hickson of the Fair Telecoms Campaign tonight said: "The campaign has worked with GPs, commissioners and phone companies for some time over this issue.

"Where an 084 number is used, patients are effectively paying for their GP's telephony services, and this is not acceptable.

"The majority already respect the principles of the NHS by complying with the rules that were introduced more than three years ago - but those who are not complying must be held to account."